Pune: Waste Collector Returns Bag Containing Rs 10 Lakh Found on Road in Sadashiv Peth
Pune, November 21, 2025: A woman waste collector from Sadashiv Peth set an example of honesty after she found a bag containing Rs 10 lakh in cash while collecting garbage and returned it to its rightful owner.
Bag Found During Morning Collection Route
Anju Mane, a waste collector working with Swach for nearly 20 years, was on her regular door-to-door collection route in Sadashiv Peth on 20 November. Around 8 to 9 am, while taking collected garbage to the feeder point, she noticed a bag lying on the roadside.
She assumed it might be similar to a medical bag she had come across earlier and kept it safely at the feeder point. On opening it, she found it contained medicines as well as a large amount of cash.
Owner Identified and Bag Returned
Since she has been serving the area for two decades, Anju knows most residents personally. With help from locals, she tried reaching out to people in the locality.
During this, she noticed a resident searching frantically for something. After offering water and calming him down, she confirmed the bag belonged to him and returned it with the entire Rs 10 lakh intact.
The resident requested anonymity.
Residents Felicitate Her for Honesty
Residents honoured Anju with a saree and a small cash reward to appreciate her honesty. According to locals, her gesture reflects the strong bond built over years between citizens and waste collectors.
Role of Swach Waste Collectors in Pune
- Around 4000 Swach waste collectors provide daily door-to-door waste collection
- They serve nearly 40 lakh residents across the city
- The organisation says trust earned over years has strengthened citizen relationships
Anju’s act once again highlights the significance of waste collectors in maintaining cleanliness and community trust in Pune.
